I think why people/governments don't implement them (reasonable pollution controls, building energy resources, staying out of debt, regulating when appropriate but not overregulating, etc.) is primarily due to lack of foresight, the "it can't happen to me" syndrome, and the "get something for me and get out" philosophy. People lack foresight as well by allowing "leaders" who make pretty speeches full of empty promises get into any position of responsibility. We're going through this process right now. This is what makes history frustrating.
What individuals and states don't realize at the time is if their country goes down the development path like almost all before it, the bill will eventually come due. And it will involve everyone including them. The ounce of prevention will save many dollars of cure.
But it's easier to just point fingers......